The Monticello III, Coshocton, Ohio

24 October 202217 May 2025

A short distance from Roscoe Village in Coshocton, Ohio is a pathway leads to a canal. Once a waterway where goods were transported between Lake Erie and the Ohio River, it is now a historical landmark in remembrance of the Canal Days. This fascinating piece of history measured 308 miles with 146 lift locks.

The project to build the canal (“the big ditch”) began in the 1820s, taking a decade to build. Initially connecting the city of Akron with the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland, the project expanded to include access to the town of Portsmouth along the Ohio River. The canals were an integral asset for the transportation of good until the invention of the railroad, causing its decline. In addition, the flood of 1913 resulted in absolute destruction of several areas along the canal and any plans to restore the canal systems was completely abandoned.

Sections of the Ohio and Erie Canal were placed under the management of Ohio’s Department of Natural Resources as preservation efforts were underway. Visitors today can stroll down the 1-mile towpath along the canal or board the horse-drawn Monticello III for an historical experience. The canal boat, located near Roscoe Village, is available for tours on weekends starting Memorial Day through mid-October.

Within steps from Roscoe Village is a bike path that leads under a bridge to Lock Number 27. The Monticello III was out for a tour, so I strolled the path to pass the time. A small crowd began to form and we watched as the canal boat tied up and fed its team of horses.

Nearby picnic tables are available for guests who want to pack a picnic lunch.

Draft horses or mules pulled the boats while “hoggees” drove them to pull the barges along Mudport Basin, a small section of the Walhonding Canal. It was their job to ensure the horses did not fall into the canals.

The helmsman would remain aboard the boat to steer it with the tiller, a long piece of wood which was connected to the rudder.

I descended the short set of stairs and found a bench at the front of the boat. Looking out onto the green murky water, I could see dragonflies and water striders. Bubbles reached the top of the water and a fish or two would appear at the top, then seem to dive below to catch some shade from the boat.

We were free to walk around the boat until launch. I stood towards the front thinking about the 305 miles it would have taken to reach the Cuyahoga Valley. I imagined families and children lining the path to welcome the incoming goods and feeding the draft horses a carrot or two.

The horses had taken a small rest and were watered to prepare for the next set of guests. The weather was a beautiful seventy degrees, with a gentle breeze rustling the trees.

The Monticello weighs in at 25 tons and measures 74 feet long and 14 1/2 feet wide. Slowly drifting its way down the canal, we learned from the Captain of the Monticello that the canal measures 26 to 40 feet wide and would have taken about 80 hours to ride from start to finish. Luckily today we would be taking a 45 minute ride.

He also explained that the Canal was dug by hand and took seven years to complete.

Roscoe became the fourth largest wheat port along the 350-mile canal system and was a thriving town until the 1860s. The canal continued to operate even as railroads were increasing in popularity until the Great Flood of 1913, swept parts of the town away.

With the vision of local businessman, Edward Montgomery, we can appreciate Roscoe Village as a beautiful reminder of the Canal era and its historical significance. In 1968, the Toll House was the first structure to undergo restoration. Montgomery is credited for the preservation and revitalization of Roscoe Village with his vision of building a “living museum so that people of the 20th century…could enjoy” and has become quite the tourist destination.

What to See and What to Do:

Canal Boat Landing Address
23253 State Route 83 North
Coshocton, OH 43812
Telephone: 740-622-7528

Admission Fee: General: $8.00; Seniors (ages 60+): $7.00; Students: $6.00; Children: 5 & under – FREE; Veterans & Active Duty Military with ID: $5
Hours: The Monticello III is open Memorial Day through Labor Day from Friday through Sunday departing at 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, and 4 pm. Check dates and times from Labor Day through the third week in October.
Amenities: picnic tables, parking, historical presentation, discounts, nearby restaurants
Length of Visit: Prepare to spend 2 – 3 hours, especially if you plan to visit Roscoe Village.
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes. Going aboard the Monticello III may require some agility to board, so be prepared. The Canal Boat leaves promptly on the hour, so arrive in plenty of time before departure. The ride is typically 45 minutes in length as the horse-drawn Canal boat will turn around in the basin and return to the landing where guests boarded the boat. I purchased my ticket at the Visitor Center but there are two additional locations to pick up tickets: the Toll House, and the Canal Boat Landing.

Where to Stay:

The Roscoe Boutique Motel
421 S. Whitewoman Street
Coshocton, Ohio 43812
Telephone: 740 622 8736

Where to Eat:

Warehouse Steak and Stein
400 N. Whitewoman Street
Coshocton, Ohio 43812
Telephone: 740 622 4001

What to Read:

I Remember Roscoe, by Robert Hull

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Travel Tips for Las Vegas

28 August 202122 September 2024

How can you maximize your time and money while visiting Las Vegas? With so many deals and discounts, I have provided a few suggestions.

If you decide to gamble (either a little, but definitely if a lot), pick up a “rewards” card from the service desk inside of the casino so that you can rack up credits, comps and receive future mailings with deals from the casinos. Some of the deals include free hotel stays, complimentary buffets and discounted entertainment. If you are gambling with a friend, spouse or significant other, put two cards under one name so the points will accumulate faster. So how does it work? When you find a slot machine, put the card in before inserting your money and points will be added to the card as you continue playing. Remember to remove the card when you have finished playing the machine. If you happen to forget to remove the card, the service desk within the hotel will gladly provide you with a replacement. One rewards card may be connected to a network of hotels (i.e., Mlife and Total Rewards) which is also beneficial for adding more points to your card, so keep this in mind when choosing a casino.
During your stay in Vegas you will be approached by numerous show/attraction representatives to book tickets through them. Check with your hotel’s comp desk/rewards desk where you may be able to secure a better rate for show tickets, etc.
If it is your first time to Las Vegas, you should really try to take in the free attractions that are offered by each of the hotels. There are floral displays, water fountain shows, museums and talking statues associated with the theme of a particular resort. For example, the Bellagio provides a spectacular water show while the Mirage’s volcano erupts at scheduled times throughout the evening.
Most people will tell you that your odds for winning at the slot machines are on Fremont Street. While this may ring true, we won nearly $500 playing Bier House at the Bellagio.
If you are not pressed for time, take the bus to Fremont Street instead of taking a taxi. You will save money and have unlimited use of the bus for a period of 24 hours for a small fee of $8 per person.
Traffic can be excessive, especially along the Las Vegas Strip, so unless it is absolutely necessary, don’t rent a car. There are plenty of alternative transportation options available.
We were surprised to learn that Harrah’s offered transportation to the airport. This service was extremely convenient and cost us the same amount as the Super Shuttle, $10.
Venetian for Breakfast. We heard that the $9.99 buffet was the best deal in town. So, when our flight arrived early in the morning, this was our first stop. Another great breakfast joint was Carlos n’ Charlie’s where we ordered the Charlie’s Breakfast Burrito with scrambled eggs, a special blend of chicken, carne asada and chorizo, Cheddar and Jack cheese and pico de gallo folded in a flour tortilla topped with red sauce and sour cream for only $12.99. We couldn’t resist the opportunity to eat outside.
When you visit Las Vegas, try to avoid the weekends. Hotel rates are much higher and the streets, casinos and events are crowded! We learned that many people visit from California because of its close proximity to Vegas.
Drinks are free when you are gambling. So this may not be new to you, but what you may not have known is that you can order top shelf liquor at no additional cost. Our friends ordered lemon-drop martinis made with limoncello and they were absolutely delicious.

So there you have it…a short list of how to make the most of your stay in Vegas. If you have any additional tips to add, just leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my experience for saving time, money and resources in Las Vegas and wishing you many Happy Travels!

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

A Tour of Salt Lake City Before Heading Back Home

22 January 202020 September 2024

I had such an amazing ski vacation in Park City and was sad to be leaving Utah. Heading out early in the morning, I had a late afternoon flight which left me with a couple of hours to explore Salt Lake City.

It would have been the perfect weather for another day of skiing.

The scenery took on a whole new vantage point when driving through the base of the mountains. The height of the surrounding mountains shaded me from the brightness of the sun as I continued my journey towards Salt Lake City.

The winding roads added to the interesting dimension of our travels as I slithered quietly at the base of the mountains, careful of oncoming traffic.

As I approached the outskirts of Salt Lake and entered the city proper, I noticed that the view had a strong industrial foreshadow with the majestic mountains towering in the distance. The sun was out warming me up in the cold until I exited the car and felt the bitterness of the January freeze.

As I crossed over several railroad tracks and train stops, the city’s public transportation seemed to add to the industrial aura of the town. The environment seemed as cold as the weather as empty streets enhanced the feeling of driving through an abandoned town. I was curious to explore some of the area attractions, yet knew that I have a limited amount of time before driving to the airport.

On the western side of Salt Lake City was the Union Pacific Railroad Depot. It was built in the early 1900s and was once a working train station. The tracks serviced various train transportation companies up until 1999 when it was moved to the Salt Lake City International Hub. In 2006, the location reopened as an entertainment venue, called The Depot and was available for restaurants and office space. It is located at South Temple at 400 West one the western side of Salt Lake City.

It was not long until I decided to escape from the cold to see the city’s Grand America Hotel, one of the Salt Lake’s historic spas and hotels in the downtown area. The courtyard was absent of visitors as a thick layer of ice covers the water feature and had transformed the fountain into a frozen popsicle.

The gorgeous floral arrangement displayed the opulence and grandeur of the hotel.

The beautiful chandeliers hung magically from the ceiling providing a secondary light source to the sun’s natural brilliance from the outdoors.

Salt Lake City’s Courthouse was located at 450 South State Street. It is open from 8AM to 5PM Monday through Friday. For more information about the courthouse, contact their website at www,utcourts.gov.

The Salt Lake City and County Building was topped with a statue of Columbia. It rose over 250 feet from the ground. The statue of Justice stood in the foreground.

The Mormon Temple commands attention as one of the most sought out attractions in Salt Lake City, Sitting upon ten acres known as the Temple Square, the temple was open to the public on April 5^th, 1893. Its famous design has become an icon of the Mormon faith with its beautiful spires and symbolic statues.

Salt Lake City’s Mormon Temple is the largest in the United States (most square feet) and is located at 50 West North Temple Street. From the east side there is a spectacular view of the three towers with the Angel Moroni in the center.

It is obvious that the Mormon faith is a central figure to the city of Salt Lake. There is so much history about the settlement of Salt Lake City, the life of Joseph Smith and the founding of the Mormon religion.

Have you had the opportunity to spend time in Salt Lake City, Utah? What did you do? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my short visit to Salt Lake! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

A Statue of Joseph Smith outside of the Church of the Latter Day Saints/Mormon Temple.

The Angel Moroni acts as both the “messenger of the restoration of the gospel and a herald of the Second Coming.”

Another view of the fountain and courtyard

A view of the Courtyard and Fountain from inside on a higher level

A beautiful mural in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah

Hiking the Blackhand Gorge Trail

1 September 201916 October 2024

I absolutely love hiking Ohio and the Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve in Columbus is a perfect way to experience nature throughout the year.

Located off of I-70, west of Columbus, take I-146 West, driving 17 miles until the exit for County Road 273. There will be a sign for Toboso and Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve. I entered the town of Toboso which led me directly to the park.

After parking my car, I headed towards the log cabin which was not far from the trailhead.

Blackhand Gorge was designated as a State Nature Preserve in 1975 by then Governor, James A Rhodes.

It is easy to find the trailhead with a marker starting at Mile 0.

Located off of the main trail, there is a Quarry Rim Trail which provides a view of the quarry which was utilized in the 1800s.

I decided to forgo the Quarry Trail and take it on my way back as this trail is an in and out pathway.

I enjoyed checking out the rocks up close along the gorge to see the protruding tree roots as well as the algae growing within the ridges.

The name Blackhand comes from an ancient petroglyph, resembling a black hand that was discovered on the “Council Rock”.

Unfortunately, it was destroyed when workers set the rock to dynamite to create the Ohio-Erie Canal towpath in 1825.

One of my favorite views includes the narrow passageway where trains would pass through the gorge.

It is also exciting to see other nature lovers enjoying the path both by bike or on foot.

Blackhand Gorge State Nature preserve is also considered an interpretive trail, providing an educational overview of the area and its importance to the Native Americans and explorers that once lived here.

There is a rail system that runs above the gorge that once provided transportation to settlers and hauled rocks away from the gorge.

I learned from one of the local walkers that the benches are perfectly positioned at the mile markers and help to monitor the distance traveled.

The pathway is a quiet escape from the fast-paced everyday life and eventually the summertime leaves will block the scenic view of the Licking River.

The Licking River came into full view. I learned that there are several large birds that make this area their home, including the magnificent American Bald Eagle.

About halfway into the trail, I approached a beautiful field with trees overshadowing the backdrop.

A sign was posted to warn hikers and bikers of a recent washout. The unpaved trail is a bit rugged but not a challenge for my walk.

I finally reached mile marker 4 when it began to rain a little. I was so close to the end of the trail that I was not giving up. It will be interesting to see if the weather holds for my return trip.

As I came to the end of the Blackhand Trail, I realized I had completed 4.26 miles. I will have walked 8 and a half miles total this morning.

I was happy to capture this shot of this beautiful waterfall on my way back before heading over the Gorge Trail.

Starting the quarry trail….

Another set of stairs that took me along the rim of the quarry.

A beautiful view awaits at the top of the stairs.

I have finished the both the Blackhand Trail and the Quarry Rim Trail while successfully managing to stay somewhat dry on my hike back. I noticed some kayakers enjoying the Licking River to my left. Once I approached the parking lot, I could see them loading their kayaks.

It was a beautiful day to enjoy Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve and I had barely made it to my car escaping the deluge of rain. I was rewarded with scenic views of the quarry, sandstone outcroppings and even an eagle sighting. What an amazing way to spend my morning.

Have you visited Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve? I would love to hear about your hike, so please leave a message in the comments section below! Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve
2200 Gratiot Road, SE
Newark, OH 43056
Telephone: 1 866 OHIOPARKS

Where to Stay:

Hampton Inn Heath-Newark
1008 Hebron Road
Heath, OH 43056
Telephone: 740 788 8991

Where to Eat:

The Overlook Restaurant at the Virtues Golf Club
One Long Drive
Nashport, OH 43830
Telephone: 740 763 1100

I couldn’t resist ordering the Ginger Lime Grouper served with wild rice and the vegetable of the day (broccoli). The ginger lime sauce was full of flavor and added to the tenderness of the salmon.

Welcome to Las Vegas!!

12 January 201921 September 2024

The dazzle and bright lights of Las Vegas are what make the city come alive, but it’s the sound of the coins and the sight of cash payouts that keep visitors coming back. I remember my initial visit to Sin City when I felt so overwhelmed with its sensory overload. I caught my first glimpse of Vegas at night. The thrill of a civilization magically appearing in the middle of a desert was quite fascinating.

Years later and I think back to all of the trips I have made since my first and the changes that have come about over the years. New hotels, restaurants and night clubs, updated shows, attractions and headliners guarantee a new experience during each visit.

With so much to do in Vegas, where does one start?

Gambling

The obvious reason to visit Las Vegas is gambling. Each hotel and resort has its own venue, deals and incentives for visiting their properties. They offer discounts on shows, restaurants and nightclubs should tourists decide to take a break from the one armed bandits.

For many, gambling is the only draw for a Las Vegas trip with the hopes of hitting the jackpot. I was thrilled to learn that there is actually a slot dictionary (www.worldcasinodirectory) so I could decide If I wanted to “Hammer a Machine” or “Hit and Run”. I caught up on the lingo so I could be ready to brag about my “Big Hit” or “Jackpot” and to let everyone know if I decided to take on “Big Bertha”. I was up for the challenge.

Saying “I Do”

Quite a few visits to Las Vegas are made to “tie the knot”. This city is one of the most popular locales in the United States to get married! Saying “I Do” in Las Vegas has its benefits. No blood tests, no waiting period…and no hassle. Couples can bypass the traditional wedding chapel to be married by a mobster, exchange vows in front of an alien or stand in the presence of Elvis. It is estimated that approximately 100,000 couples marry in Vegas each year and pay only a fraction of the cost. A variety of chapels will provide on the spot nuptials while luxury hotels offer over the top package deals with the glamour and prestige of vintage Las Vegas!

Dinner and A Show

There is no lack of extravagance when going out in Las Vegas for a dinner and a show! Restaurants opened by world famous chefs and headlining entertainers leave you with an assortment of options. Although making a decision may seem absolutely overwhelming, it is just as electrifying and irresistible all at once! The hotel concierge can recommend the perfect restaurant or suggest the new haute eatery that’s all the rage.

Free Attractions and Discount Meals

If splurging on a night out on the town is not your idea of excitement, there are several hotels that have free entertainment and discount diners with a more relaxed atmosphere and budget. The Fountains of Bellagio and the Sirens at TI are great family-friendly activities, while adults may choose to check out the Fremont Street Experience in Old Las Vegas. Each of the hotels were designed to attract visitors with their creative artistic displays which also offer a complimentary source of amusement.

Taking It Outside of Vegas

Located in the center of a dessert, Las Vegas is close to a variety of natural excursions that can be booked from this central location. Helicopter tours of the city or plane rides over the Grand Canyon are some of the most popular tours, yet a couple of the most expensive! Short day trips to Red Rock Canyon and the Hoover Dam are a perfect opportunity to slip away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a chance to explore a more peaceful side of the state.

Las Vegas is not to be overlooked as a perfect vacation regardless of whether one wants to gamble. The opportunities are endless within the city limits or for exploring the desert and its surroundings.

The following blog posts will give you a more in-depth overview of Las Vegas hotels and a few tips for maximizing your time during your stay.

Travel Tips for Las Vegas
Harrah’s, The Perfect Location on the Las Vegas Strip
Visiting Venice in Vegas

Have you been to Las Vegas? What are your reasons for visiting and do you have any tips you would like to share? I would love to hear about your experience if you will kindly leave a message in the comments section below!! Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

Politics, Theaters and Automobiles: Springfield, Ohio’s Rich History!

5 February 201716 September 2024

After filling up on a hearty lunch, I returned to the Clark County Heritage Center in Springfield. With so much history, I began my second session to cover the time period beginning in the 1900s up until the 1970s where the museum’s information about Clark County and Springfield ends.

In the early 1900s, Springfield, Ohio’s population was close to 60,000. To celebrate their centennial in 1901 the city hosted Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show, a traveling performance which featured Greenville, Ohio native, Annie Oakley. During this time, advances in transportation, farming equipment and entertainment made Springfield a popular location to live and visit.

Theodore Roosevelt was the President of the United States at this time and nearby Dayton residents, Wilbur and Orville Wright piloted the first airplane at Kitty Hawk.

By winter of 1903, three major fires claimed three lives in Springfield and destroyed an entire city block.

Sully Jaymes was Springfield’s only African American attorney who represented the underprivileged African Americans. A graduate of Boston University and the University of Michigan, Jaymes practiced law for over 50 years until his death in 1950.

In 1905, Gus Sun opened a vaudeville theater and booking agency in Springfield. During this time, architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed and built a home for car magnate, Burton J. Westcott.

By 1904, the Boys and Girls club was founded by AB Graham, which is known today as the 4H Club. This agricultural organization teaches school-aged children about “farming techniques and home management”. During the same year, International Harvester opened up a plant in Springfield to make trucks, bringing in a large number of jobs to the area.

During Taft’s presidency, the Chakeres brothers open the city’s first movie theater in 1908 which would eventually lead to a total of eight movie houses around town. The cost to see a move was only 50 cents back then Following William Howard Taft, Woodrow Wilson takes office and the US enters into World War I. Westcott Motor Car Company begins producing “The Westcott” between the years 1916 and 1926. It would be the only automobile that would be manufactured in Springfield, rumored that the city lost the bid to Detroit for producing cars for the Ford Motor Company. As Ohio braces for the Depression Era, racial tensions rise as riots break out among Springfield residents. The Ohio National Guard is called in to preserve order.

A very controversial event took place in Springfield in 1923 when the Klu Klux Klan held a rally at the fairgrounds. These horrific, racially charged events were being held all over the nation in the 1920s, even in our nation’s capitol of Washington DC.

Even in the midst of these thorny racial relationships of just a year ago, the city of Springfield is named the “Rose City” due to its large production of roses.

Amidst the Great Depression, George Rogers Clark Park is established in 1930 near Buck Creek with a reenactment of the Battle of Piqua taking place here to commemorate its 150^th anniversary. The opening of Cliff Park soon follows in 1932.

Chakeres Theaters gain world wide recognition opening theaters across Ohio in the 1930s and the first service station, Bonded Oil, is built in Urbana. As Springfield reaches the end of the 30’s World War II breaks out and the US comes to the aid of its allies after the Pearl Harbor bombing in 1941. Three Springfielders died in the attack and by 1943, Wittenberg University is set up to train Air Force Cadets to assist in the war efforts.

After World War II, the soldiers return home and only four years later the Korean War breaks out. The Clark County Fair, first opened in 1854, moves to a larger space taking over the old Springfield Airport in 1947. With an increase in population, Mercy Hospital opens in 1950 with the help of philanthropist Joseph Shouvlin. There were currently 111,661 residents in Springfield at that time.

Eisenhower’s presidency would be the start of the Civil Rights movement and would continue as John F. Kennedy is sworn into office in 1960. It was a victory for local African Americans when Robert C. Henry was the first black man elected to the Springfield City Commission and later becomes Mayor in 1966. Taking over Henry’s post as Mayor in 1968 would be Springfield’s first female mayor, Betty Brunk.

The 1970s brought about the interstate and I-70 draws businesses along the highway’s corridor. The population of Springfield has reached upwards into the 150 thousands. As the number of businesses increase, Springfield Mayor Robert Burton, plans to revitalize the downtown area, which has fallen into ruin over the years. Another economic victory includes the opening of the Upper Valley Mall in 1971.

By the time Gerald Ford takes office, Robert Burton has made good on his promise to help Springfield and the New City Hall was constructed.

Fast forward to 2016 and there is a continued effort to revitalize the city of Springfield. The downtown area is growing and new businesses are moving into spaces that were once left vacant. Snyder Park has once again become a beautiful place to visit and the Farmer’s Market is thriving during the weekends at the Heritage Museum. Rumor has it that even the Upper Valley Mall will be making changes in the near future as well but plans have not been finalized. During my return, it was an exciting time to live in Springfield and many residents came together to further the development of the city in a positive direction. Who knows? The difference one could make for Springfield may lead to noteriety at the Heritage Center’s Museum of Springfield history.

Have you had the opportunity to visit the Heritage Center in Springfield and learn about its history? What was your favorite moment in time? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!

What to See and What to Do:

The Clark County Heritage Center
117 South Fountain Avenue
Springfield, Ohio 45502
Telephone: 937 324 0657

Admission Fee: Free, and donations are welcome.
Hours: Museum: Tuesday through Friday from 9AM to 4PM; Saturday from 9AM to 3PM. Closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Amenities: Bookstore and gift shop, guided tours, video presentation
Length of Visit: 2 – 3 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Donations recommended are Family: $10; Adults: $5 and Children: $3.

Where to Stay:

Courtyard Marriott Springfield
100 S. Fountain Avenue
Springfield, OH 45502
Telephone: 937 322 3600

Where to Eat:

Heart of Country Gift Shoppe and Teaberries Cafe
1600 E. Leffel Lane
Springfield, OH 45505
Telephone: 937 325 3030

I could spend hours strolling the Heart of Country Shoppe, but when I visit, I can’t wait to have lunch at Teaberries. I always start my lunch with a piece of yummy, moist orange bread. Known for their wide varieties of chicken salad sandwiches, I always revert to the House Favorite, the Midwest Delight, served on a butter croissant. If you have room, try their homemade carrot cake or peanut butter pie.

More favorite Springfield eateries:

Schuler’s Donuts: Their chocolate cream-filled doughnut is their best seller…”home of homemade”. The bakery has several locations in Springfield.
Simon Kenton Inn: This historical home is an inn, restaurant and entertainment venue. With great food, I love the atmosphere of the Simon Kenton Inn.
Guerra’s Krazy Tacos: One of my favorite places to eat in Springfield, Guerra’s is known for their unique gourmet tacos.
Salato Deli: I love stopping by this deli for their charcuterie board
Le Torte Dolci Bakery; Located next to the Salato Deli, this European French bakery also serves amazing gelato.
Mike & Rosie’s Deli: This staple of Springfield is located near the Wittenberg campus and I am extremely fond of their Reuben sandwich.

Where to Drink:

Mother Stewart’s Brewing Company: Springfield’s only brewery, Mother Stewart’s showcases nine craft beers produced onsite.

What to Read:

The Book of Springfield, Ohio, 1906, by Springfield Commercial Club
Springfield, Ohio: A Summary of Two Centuries, by Tom Dunham
Ridgewood in the Country Club District, by Tamara K. Dallenbach
Still Standing: A life of pain, adversity and perseverance, by James Cooper
Hometown Killer, by Carol Rothgeb

Photo Guide for Springfield, Ohio:

Hartman Rock Garden
Westcott House, Frank Lloyd Wright House
Glen Helen Nature Preserve in nearby Yellow Springs
Heritage Center of Clark County
Tecumseh Land Trust in nearby Yellow Springs
Ohio Caverns in nearby Bellefontaine
Oakes Quarry Park in nearby Fairborn, Ohio

Springfield, Ohio: The City at the End of the Road

29 January 201716 September 2024

Arriving at the The Clark County Heritage Center, I was excited to learn more about the history of Springfield, Ohio. This city was once my home until high school when I left in search of adventure. I decided to return home to start a business and was happy to become reacquainted with all of the familiar places that I once remembered. They say you always come back to your roots.

After grabbing a cup of coffee at Un Mundo Cafe, I arrived at the Center to explore its museum of historical exhibits. Built in the late 1800s, this Richardsonian Romanesque beauty was home to several public offices until it was abandoned for a number of years, reopening in April 2001. From City Hall to the Police Department, the Center is now a museum as well as retail space for several local businesses.

Easily accessible from the coffee shop, I entered the museum where I was surrounded by pamphlets and books on several shelves in the center lobby. After signing in, I explained to the attendant that my reason for visiting was to write about the museum. He suggested a couple of books to help with my research and I was eager to begin learning more about Springfield, once known as “The City at The End of the Road.”

Stepping into the exhibit, I began my tour standing in front of a map of state route 40. From here, I would soon learn the importance of the National Road as well as its significance and impact on Springfield.

The National Road was first proposed by George Washington to connect the east coast and west coast of the United States. It took several years to complete, and with the help of Thomas Jefferson, they finally broke ground in 1808. The project first began in the small town of Cumberland, Maryland, as the route continued to evolve over the years.

As the road progressed, it reached Columbus, Ohio in 1830 and continued towards Springfield with the financial aid of local resident Pierson Spinning. Mile markers made of stone were strategically placed to document the distance traveled from Cumberland where some of these markers still remain.

Wagons were the primary source of transport for adventurous families leaving the east coast for a future out west. The museum displays the wagon of David Crabill who was one of the early settlers to reach Clark County and make this area his home in 1808.

Today, the National Road is paved with blacktop, but at its inception, small stones marked its path. As the roadway reached Clark County, brick was laid throughout the streets of Springfield and later continued to Bellefontaine with the use of concrete. Without further government financing, the National Road would end in Springfield in 1836, where it became know as the city at “the end of the road.” As the progression stalled, many families settled in Springfield doubling its census from 510 to 1080 residents.

The National Road encouraged a booming business along its route with the start of several taverns as well as bed and breakfasts. Over the years, the establishment of small towns in Clark County would help Springfield grow as a city of wealth and industry.

In 1844, Wittenberg College moved from Wooster to Springfield and the city became incorporated six years later. The addition of six gas lights downtown and the production of farm equipment put Springfield in the spotlight for industry.

Springfield also played a role in abolition, offering assistance to runaway slaves throughout the underground railroad movement. By 1832, Uncle Tom’s Cabin was published and an awareness of slavery was reaching the northerners. It was Anne Aston Warden who assisted with organizing an underground railroad association in Springfield to provide aid and safe havens for the slaves as they made their way north towards Canada.

Harriett Beecher Stowe’s book was made into a play, which was performed in Springfield. The same year, the Basey family purchased land, being the first African Americans to do so. Shortly thereafter, in 1857, local resident Udney Hyde of Mechanicsburg protected a Kentucky slave, Addison White, from being captured by US marshals.

During the Civil War, Springfield factories rose up to support the war efforts by making uniforms, wagons and linseed oil. Congressman Shellabarger voted to pass the United States’ first Civil Rights Act and local families in Clark County offered their assistance by taking in former slave children. The production of farm equipment continued as Springfield entered its Golden Age in the mid 1870s.

As Springfield continued to prosper, Ulysses S. Grant was President of the United States and the city would host the Ohio State Fair. “Mother Stewart” would arrive in Springfield from Piketon to lead the temperance movement in a crusade to abolish alcohol.

Photos depicting the industrial movement in Springfield are on display in the museum. It was a time of prosperity for Springfield and the City Building (now the Heritage Center), designed by Charles Cregar, a local architect, was completed by 1890.

In the late 1890’s Springfield would come to be known as “The Home City” as facilities to assist organizations such as the Masons, Odd Fellows, and Knights of Pythias were built around town. In 1898, Snyder Park was created with land donated by the Snyder Brothers and remains today as a beautiful oasis close to the city’s center.

From here, I took a short break for lunch returning in 30 minutes to continue my visit to the Heritage Center which is covered in a second blog post titled, Politics, Theaters and Automobiles: Springfield, Ohio’s Rich History.

Are you a Springfield native or have family in the area? Have had the opportunity to visit the Heritage Center? I would love to hear about your connection to Springfield or about your visit to the Heritage Center if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading this post about my hometown of Springfield and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

The Clark County Heritage Center
117 South Fountain Avenue
Springfield, Ohio 45502
Telephone: 937 324 0657

Admission Fee: Free, and donations are welcome.
Hours: Museum: Tuesday through Friday from 9AM to 4PM; Saturday from 9AM to 3PM. Closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Amenities: Bookstore and gift shop, guided tours, video presentation
Length of Visit: 2 – 3 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Donations recommended are Family: $10; Adults: $5 and Children: $3.

Where to Stay:

Courtyard Marriott Springfield
100 S. Fountain Avenue
Springfield, OH 45502
Telephone: 937 322 3600

Where to Eat:

Heart of Country Gift Shoppe and Teaberries Cafe
1600 E. Leffel Lane
Springfield, OH 45505
Telephone: 937 325 3030

More favorite Springfield eateries:

Schuler’s Donuts: Their chocolate cream-filled doughnut is their best seller…”home of homemade”. The bakery has several locations in Springfield.
Simon Kenton Inn: This historical home is an inn, restaurant and entertainment venue. With great food, I love the atmosphere of the Simon Kenton Inn.
Guerra’s Krazy Tacos: One of my favorite places to eat in Springfield, Guerra’s is known for their unique gourmet tacos.
Salato Deli: I love stopping by this deli for their charcuterie board
Le Torte Dolci Bakery; Located next to the Salato Deli, this European French bakery also serves amazing gelato.
Mike & Rosie’s Deli: This staple of Springfield is located near the Wittenberg campus and I am extremely fond of their Reuben sandwich.

Where to Drink:

Mother Stewart’s Brewing Company: Springfield’s only brewery, Mother Stewart’s showcases nine craft beers produced onsite.

What to Read:

The Book of Springfield, Ohio, 1906, by Springfield Commercial Club
Springfield, Ohio: A Summary of Two Centuries, by Tom Dunham
Ridgewood in the Country Club District, by Tamara K. Dallenbach
Still Standing: A life of pain, adversity and perseverance, by James Cooper
Hometown Killer, by Carol Rothgeb

Photo Guide for Springfield, Ohio:

Hartman Rock Garden
Westcott House, Frank Lloyd Wright House
Glen Helen Nature Preserve in nearby Yellow Springs
Heritage Center of Clark County
Tecumseh Land Trust in nearby Yellow Springs
Ohio Caverns in nearby Bellefontaine
Oakes Quarry Park in nearby Fairborn, Ohio